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Introduction - What is Computer?

What is Computer ?

The simplest definition of computer is :

Computer is an computational device.

A computer is a programmable machine designed to automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. The particular sequence of operations can be changed readily, allowing the computer to solve more than one kind of problem. An important class of computer operations on some computing platforms is the accepting of input from human operators and the output of results formatted for human consumption. The interface between the computer and the human operator is known as the user interface.

-- Wikipedia

A computer is a programmable machine. The two principal characteristics of a computer are:
It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner.

It can execute a prerecorded list of instructions (a program).
-- Webopedia

com·put·er
Also called processor. an electronic device designed to accept data, perform prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high speed, and display the results of these operations. Compare analog computer, digital computer.